Langham Creek finds motivation in boys soccer

BOYS SOCCERLangham Creek off to sizzling startLobos winning with only three senior starters

TODD HVEEM, Chronicle Correspondent

Published 6:30 am, Thursday, March 1, 2007

The Langham Creek Lobos missed the Class 5A state soccer playoffs by one measly point during the 2006 season. But it has made a definite point during the 2007 campaign.

"Last year, district came down to a five-team race with two games left," said Langham Creek boys soccer coach Scott Tucker. "We finished fourth by one point. We were 12-5-7 overall and 9-4-3 in district and we finished one point out of the playoffs.

"It came down to the last game. If we win, we are in. If we lose, we are out. If we tie, maybe. It was definitely a battle.

"But I think it really motivated the kids this year. They realized how close they were and it (making the playoffs) was definitely attainable. It is just a good group of kids who are working hard for a common goal."

The Lobos are working hard at turning District 17-5A into a one-team race. Through 15 matches, Langham Creek was 14-0-1 overall and 5-0 in district. Langham Creek's tie came against Houston Lee in the final of the Diodora Cup. The Lobos went on to win the match in a shoot-out.

"The whole idea is to try and win every game," Tucker said. "That is what we are definitely trying to do.

"We had a good group of kids returning. We have eight starters back from last year's team. It was just a matter of finding three to replace the guys who are gone. We have had a new group step up."

"Alex and Rafael are playing really well for us," Tucker said. "Alex has 14 goals and Rafael has nine. Jacob Truitt has only allowed four goals in 15 games. He has 11 shutouts. Vasquez and Harlan also are doing a good job on defense."

"They have jumped up into the starting lineup," Tucker said. "They have done a great job back on defense."

The Lobos have only three senior starters in Gerety, Bustos and Keller. Tucker also praised underclassman Matt Smith.

"He has been coming off the bench and scoring big goals and providing key assists," Tucker said.

Langham Creek last went to the playoffs in 2004.

"I wouldn't say we set out to win district," Tucker said. "It would be nice, but our main thing is just to get one of the four playoff spots. There are eight quality teams in this district. We just want to be one of the top four."

Strake Jesuit and Cy-Fair are the closest pursuers to Langham Creek.

"Cy Falls, Jersey Village, Cy Ridge, Cy Creek and Cy Springs also have to be in the mix," Tucker said. "Everybody can beat everybody in this district.

"For the most part, all of the games have been 1-0 and 2-1, stuff like that. Anything can happen. Our focus is getting one of those four spots."

Langham Creek has flown under the radar as far as the area and state rankings for most of the season. Tucker hopes it stays that way.

"We want to stay under it as much as possible,"Tucker said. "If you can do that, good things might happen. We will see."